Classic movies by black filmmakers are now free on the Criterion Channel

The Criterion Collection, a film lover’s paradise specializing in the distribution of important and classic films, has opened its vault to highlight films that focus on black life. In the middle of the Protests After George Floyd’s death, the company joined Warner Bros., A24 and Bad robot Offer free films about the lives of blacks and donate to organizations that fight against systemic racism in the United States.

You can find these films on the Criterion Channel, the company’s streaming platform, which contains a collection of works by early pioneers of African American cinema.

Some of these groundbreaking filmmakers and their films are: Julie Dash’s Daughters of the Dust from 1991 – the first feature film by an African-American woman to be seen in the cinema in the USA; Maya Angelou is down in the delta; Agnès Vardas black panther; and Kathleen Collins’ Losing Ground.

There are also contemporary works by Khalik Allah and Leilah Weinraub, and documentary portraits of black experiences by white filmmakers Les Blank and Shirley Clarke.

In a statement on Thursday, Criterion said: “We have removed the paywall for as many of these titles as possible. Even if you are not a subscriber, you can watch it for free.” (This appears to be only available in the U.S.)

The company also said it will donate $ 25,000 to organizations fighting against racism in America, with an ongoing monthly contribution of $ 5,000.

Earlier this week, Warner Bros. announced Just Mercy can be rented free of charge on all digital platforms (Apple TV Plus, Amazon) in June to educate about systemic racism in American society. The 2019 legal drama with Michael B. Jordan tells the real story of African American Walter McMillian (Jamie Foxx), who was wrongly convicted of murder.

Go to IndieWire to read the full Criterion statement.